Guide to Maui Beaches

byDave Jackson

West Maui Beaches

Ka’anapali Beach – This is the prize of West Maui. Kaanapali Beach is over three miles of dazzling sand with every imaginable water sport. Dig Me Beach and Black Rock are located here. America’s Best Beach – 2003.

D T Fleming Beach Park – Kapalua – Bring the family. Fleming Beach Park has all the facilities and was named America’s Best Beach in 2006. Favored for great body and board surfing conditions, lifeguards make this practical and safe.

Kapalua Beach – Kapalua Resort – Locals call this beauty “Old Fleming Beach”, but fame came in 1991 when it was the first beach ever to be named America’s Best Beach. Superior snorkeling, swimming and SCUBA right here.

Napili Bay – South of Kapalua – This crescent of sand will keep your busy all day with perfect swimming and snorkeling conditions. Napili Bay even offers expert ocean adventures – inquire right on the beach.

Wahikuli State Park – Lahaina – On weekends, find yourself surrounded by locals who favor this strip of sand because of the nice waves for boogie boarding and the great swimming and snorkeling. Full facilities make picnicking a favorite pastime.

South Maui Beaches

Kama’ole Beach Parks – Kihei – There are three beaches here, all worth a visit. Lifeguards watch over each beach and because of the terrain there are excellent swimming conditions. Local favorites.

Keawakapu Beach – Kihei – Come for the breathtaking views. Stay for the enchanted walk to the Wailea Resort and back. Because no two days are alike, you could walk this strand everyday.

Kihei Beach – Kihei – Six miles of coves, tide pools, wide beaches and unforgettable sunset views. What could top that except the full facilities you’ll find along the way.

Maluaka Beach – Makena – Next to the Maui Prince Hotel, super good snorkeling and swimming. We saw more green turtle here than anywhere.

Mokapu Beach Park – Wailea – Another snorkeling gem, and swimming is great, too. Water sports rentals on the beach near the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort.

Polo Beach – Wailea – A favorite of the locals, but well worth a visit, Polo has excellent snorkel and swimming and full facilities. It’s little wonder in was named “America’s Best Beach” in 1999.

Ulua Beach Park – Wailea – Stroll this beach early in the morning and you’ll find all kinds of interesting things. Excellent snorkeling and swimming makes this a tad crowded on weekends. Great to jog!

Wailea Beach – Wailea – Full facilities here and rentals. You’ll think you’re in heaven with the meandering sidewalk that strings along the beach and through the hotels. Another great beach.

Central Maui Beaches

Kanaha Beach Park – Kahului – We were going to swim, but instead took in the amazing kite surfers here. You could watch them all day with the backdrop of the mountains. Excellent facilities here including beach volleyball.

East Maui Beaches

H A Baldwin Beach Park – Pa’ia – Take the camera – you can’t take a bad shot. Dramatic views and swimming with a unique baby beach lagoon. Full facilities.

Hamoa Beach – Hana – James Michener called this beach the most beautiful in the Pacific. Place in the top 10 in 2006 of “America’s Best Beaches” – very family oriented and nice.

Hana Beach Park – Hana – Spectacular swimming. Incredible feel and beauty and the backdrop to many community events. We don’t blame them – but we’d be watching the surf.

Red Sand Beach – Hana – Look at how crazy this is. This secret beach if great for swimming and snorkeling and quite hard to get to off the Hana Highway – you trek for a bit. But a must see if you can hike.